ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book examines a range of issues raised by the genetic testing of children, especially in those circumstances where it is not to the direct benefit of the child. It outlines the general social and ethical issues relating to genetics, but should also consider the place of children in the family and in society. The book challenges the claims of experimental psychology to provide an objective account of reality, of the truth. It focuses upon the words used in the clinic, upon the transcript, emphasises the importance of attending to the discursive nature of genetic counselling. The book also outlines the issues raised by the possible commercialization of genetic testing in Britain from the perspective of the (British) Genetic Interest Group. It reports the attitudes of genetics professionals from many countries towards the issues raised by genetic testing in childhood.
